Thanksgiving at the Congregational Church – an album by Maralyn Fink

On Thursday, Thanksgiving, I decided to go to the Congregational Church to do a story and take some pictures and maybe even have dinner with them.

I arrived a little early to accomplish my goal.

This dinner has three local churches that put this on, First Congregational, First Methodist and St Joseph Catholic Church.

I could see that this was a very organized team of people who volunteer their time. Walking into the dining area, the tables were very nicely decorated with Thanksgiving décor, and the tables were very homey.

The group starts planning in September, and this was their 6th year. The attendance is variable, they and have had 200 seatings in the past. There are two serving times, 12 noon followed by a 1:30 seating. They have reservations and welcome walk -ins.

Another option is a meals to go option by calling in, but the meals are not delivered. People who arrive early are treated in the welcome center with breads and relishes until the start time. 911 is given a call to invite anyone on duty with the Fire Department and the Police Department and the Ambulance Service to join them for a meal.

Sparrow-Clinton Hospital prepares the turkeys, and Meijer’s provides the relishes. Meanwhile, First Methodist is in charge of the pie making. Each Church plays an important role in this important day.

Donations are accepted and are used for start-up money for the following year and as a supplement for Basic Needs.

Many Thanks go to the volunteers, churches, Batterbee Cakes, Big Boy, Dewitt Meijer’s, Gordon Foods, Kiwanis Club, Kroger’s, Phillips Orchards, St Johns High School National Honor Society, Good Wins Club, Wal-Mart, Sparrow-Clinton physicians and staff, and Livingston Gourds.

I dined with Dr. Charles and Lois Graham and had a great time, especially talking about the good ole days. Thank you, Lois, for the information and the rest of the crew for letting me take the pictures.

This years Co-coordinator was Guven Witteveen.

https://picasaweb.google.com/110845930262453987007/15112402?authuser=0&feat=directlink

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Watch a video courtesy of Guven Witteveen
https://www.facebook.com/179850365400481/videos/1066035933448582/

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Law Enforcement Agencies participate in Fill a Cop Car – Saturday, December 5th

On Saturday, December 5th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Law Enforcement officers throughout Clinton County will be asking for your help. Their goal is to Fill Our Cop Cars with groceries.

Officers will be at your local grocery stores and police departments with the purpose of helping to fill our local food banks with non-perishable food items.

Police Officers chose their profession so that they can help others. During this time of year they often experience families in need but don’t have the ability to help directly. By filling the cop cars, they can see to it that those who need a helping hand can get it.

They are asking that you purchase an extra item or two and help them help those that are less fortunate. The back seats of the patrol vehicles are usually used to transport people who have run afoul of the law. Help them put the seats to good use.

Officers will be at the following locations in Clinton County:

– Kroger, 900 S. Business 127, St. Johns
– Wal-Mart, 1165 Superior Drive, St. Johns
– DeWitt Township Hall, 1401 W. Herbison Road, DeWitt
– Bath Township Hall, 14480 Webster Road, Bath
– Montecello’s Market, 16912 Marsh Road, Bath
– Village Food Pride, 501 S. Main Street, Ovid

All food collected at these locations will be donated to the food banks at Capital Area Community Services in St. Johns and Redeemer United Methodist Church in DeWitt. The officers of the St. Johns Police Department, Clinton County Sheriff’s Department, DeWitt Township Police Department, DeWitt City Police Department, Bath Township Police Department, and Ovid Police Department appreciate your generosity during this holiday season.

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SJHS Class of ’85 raises $4,500 for Foundation for Excellence

The St. Johns High School Class of 1985 celebrated their 30th Class Reunion during homecoming weekend October 2-3. Prior to the reunion, the class alumni association launched the first-ever St. Johns Alumni Giving Challenge as a fundraiser to benefit the St. Johns Schools Foundation for Excellence.

“The class of 1985 wanted to give back to the school system and honor the faculty that laid the educational foundation for our lives and careers,” said Brian O’Connor, president of the class of 1985 alumni association. “The St. Johns Alumni Giving Challenge was created to inspire fellow alumni to support student achievement and the commitment to excellence of the St. Johns school system.”

The reunion planning committee explored options for where donations would make the most significant impact and after consultation with high school principal Mark Palmer, the Class of 1985 selected St. Johns Schools Foundation for Excellence as the recipient of the alumni giving challenge due to its purpose, which is; to generate funds that will be used to provide learning materials and opportunities for the students of the St. Johns School district that go above and beyond ordinary instruction. The Foundation uses money to fund grant requests from both faculty and students. In the past, the Foundation has provided funds for equipment (e.g. new tympani drums for the band and orchestra), educational field trips, and the visiting author program among other funded projects.

Students and faculty apply for small, medium and large grants from the Foundation for Excellence, depending on the scope and cost of their requests. The Foundation provides an essential resource to cover expenses that are not in the annual operating budget.

The Foundation endeavors to meet needs in these areas of concentration: Literacy, Career and College Readiness, Health, Safety, and Emotional Development, Athletics and Physical Fitness Development and Artistic Expression.

The class of ’85 reunion planning committee utilized a combination of efforts to raise funds. They started by creating a CrowdRise.com campaign to accept donations online using a credit or debit card. By setting up the Foundation for Excellence as the recipient, all donors were issued a receipt confirming their donation for tax deduction purposes. CrowdRise also has the ability for graduates to invite friends, family and colleagues to donate to the campaign as well. The remaining funds were raised through cash donations and the support of Bruno’s Bar, the location of the reunion gathering, which is owned and operated by class of ’85 alumnae Shana Mazzolini and her husband Dean.

The Foundation for Excellence began in 1985. For many years the foundation was funded by teachers and administrators who donated to the program through automatic payroll deductions. Many of those teachers and administrators have since retired so the foundation finds itself in a position where funding is slowing down considerably. With the formation of the SJHS Alumni Giving Challenge, graduates are challenged to organize a campaign for their graduating class to keep the foundation funded as a thriving resource for teachers and students for years to come.

The Foundation is a registered 501(c) (3) non-profit organization making all donations tax-deductible.

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Walmart Employee Recognition

When it comes to giving time, Judy Minner trips the alarm on the Walmart employee Volunteerism Always Pays program.

The special plan (VAP) awards donations in honor of employees who volunteer on behalf of charitable agencies or community support groups based on time spent in that effort. Minner accumulated 100 volunteer hours, meriting a $500.00 Walmart gift split between Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary and Clinton Area Special Advocates, the voice of children in foster care (CASA).

Brian Greenlees, Walmart Manager; Angie Bealls, Co-President, SCH Auxiliary; Minner and Kelly Schafer, Executive Director, CASA.

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Frontier offers higher speeds to commercial customers

Frontier Communications (NASDAQ: FTR), the City of St. Johns, Michigan, Quest Software and the Clinton County Economic Alliance have partnered to bring a new age of high-speed Internet to the city. Business customers in the St. Johns Certified Industrial Park will now be served by a new all fiber-optic infrastructure, making the Park one of the most technologically advanced business sites in Michigan.

“Frontier was selected by the city based on its advanced communications technology and local engagement model that provides a more responsive and transparent customer experience,” said Frontier General Manager Kurt Theisen. “Frontier is a 100 percent, U.S.-based, pro-veteran workforce, and all customers are served by technicians who live in the local community.

“The blend of community-based knowledge and technical expertise made the city and Frontier natural partners. “Frontier is an important economic development ally for our city, empowering our local businesses and companies to now compete on a global scale,” said City Manager Dennis LaForest.

“St. Johns is demonstrating leadership and vision by understanding the importance of community growth, enabling job retention, and ensuring businesses have access to the latest gigabit technology,” said Dru Mitchell, President and CEO of the Clinton County Economic Alliance.

“When St. Johns and Frontier started collaborating, there was no doubt that the St. Johns Certified Industrial Park would be the area’s top high-tech development,” said Quest Owner Ron Zyzelewski. “The Park is a unique development that with help from Frontier, offers the `big technology’ businesses need. Quest is delighted to be a part of this project at the ground level and looks forward to bringing more than 100 new jobs to the local community.”

The City of St. Johns Certified Industrial Park is equipped with Frontier’s full product suite with scalable gigabit data services. In addition, Frontier will offer robust business solutions such as WAN, LAN, point to point, direct internet access (DIA), gigabit Ethernet services, hosted VoIP, backup and sharing, network security, and a wide selection of phone systems and Internet security solutions.

Frontier, the City of St. Johns and the Clinton County Economic Alliance share a vision of a connected community built on a state-of-the-art and expansive fiber-optic network and are excited about the many economic advantages this infrastructure will bring to the area.

Night of Worship – Friday, December 11

On Friday, December 11 come for a Free night of worship with local musician Josh Mayes featuring some of his original worship music as well as other contemporary music.

The service will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mt. Hope UB Church, 5011 S. Mt. Hope Rd, Carson City, MI.

For more information call 989-544-5764.

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Arts Council Holiday Open House – Tuesday December 8

The Gallery is a Clinton County Arts Council gem in the heart of St. Johns business district, but at Christmas it glistens temptingly with an array of gifting hints ranging from seasonal and general wall art to enchanting works from the hands of local artists.

Come Tuesday December 8, all of these attractions will be on display during the Council’s annual open house from 6-8 p.m.at special discounts to members and non-member alike without diminishing the artist’s normal commission amount. Along with price concessions – 10% and 20%, non-members and members, respectively – there will be complimentary gift wrapping and refreshments served throughout the evening.

It will also be a perfect time to meet CCAC President Jason Butler along with Director Ashley Garijo Jackson, both of whom are in the first year of their assignments.

For additional information on this event or other Arts Council activities, calls may be made to the Gallery at 989.224.2429

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Wilson Center hosts weekend of holiday music – December 4-5

A pair of musical shows courtesy of Homegrown Productions provide a great opportunity for area residents to get in the holiday spirit, December 4-5, at the Wilson Center Auditorium that’s located across from the Clinton County Courthouse near the downtown business district.

Youth are the focus of the fifth annual Christmas variety show created by Homegrown Productions that begins at 7:30 p.m., Friday evening following the Santa Parade in the downtown area. St. Johns’ favorite performers are featured in the evening of holiday stories and songs.

Tickets are $5, available at the door; no charge for youth age 10 and younger.

A special encore performance of the holiday musical, “Nuncrackers,” brings the talented cast to the Wilson Center stage December 5, after its successful run at the Starlight Dinner Theatre in Lansiong. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for “Nuncrackers” are $25; call (989) 224-8982 for reservations. Funds from both shows benefit the Wilson Center Auditorium Renovation Project that committee members hope to conclude in 2016. For detailed information on the Wilson Center fundraiser and upcoming shows at the venue check out the Wilson Center Auditorium Facebook page or visit: http://wilsoncenterauditorium.org/

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Santa Claus is Coming to Town – December 4, 5

Santa will arrive in St. Johns Friday, December 4 at 5:45 p.m. for the downtown St. Johns Santa Parade of Lights.

After the parade Santa will receive the key to the city and then the downtown and Chamber of Commerce will award one lucky winner a cash prize from their 50/50 raffle drawing. Call the Chamber (989-224-7248) or Downtown (989-227-1717) to find out where to purchase your ticket.

Then on Saturday, December 5 Santa will be at the Chamber’s Breakfast with Santa at the CCRESA Building, 1013 S US 27 in St. Johns from 8:00-10:30 a.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. Children 2 and under are free. Bring your cameras for lots of pictures.

In addition to the Breakfast there will also be a Craft Show and Festival of Trees (8:00-10:00 a.m.) and Kids Make It and Take it Crafts (Noon-3:00 p.m.)

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Clinton County Meals on Wheels needs your help

Each year the Clinton County Meals on Wheels program gives a holiday gift to their clients. They would like to do the same this year. They operate on the theory that it’s not the size of the gift but the thought. Most of the items can be bought at the dollar store.

If you would like to help, here are some of the items they are looking for: Kleenex, Hand Cream, Shampoo, 100 Piece Puzzles, Large Print Find a Word or Crossword Puzzle Books, Small Flashlights, Sugar Free Candy, Gloves, Mittens and Socks.

You can drop items off at the Meals on Wheels Office, located in the Clinton County Senior Center at 201 E Walker Street, St. Johns, or you can call 989-224-3600 if they need to pick anything up.

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Community Christmas Concert – December 11

On December 11th at 7:00 pm the Wilson Center Auditorium will host the annual Community Christmas Concert.

Participants include the St. Johns Community Band, the Dewitt Community Concert Band, the Mint City Singers and Vivo Contando, and the community children’s choir.

There will be a free will offering.

The Wilson Center Auditorium is located at 101 W. Cass St., St. Johns.

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Annual Toys for Tots Concert – December 12

The King of Country “Louie Longoria” and The King of Rock n’ Rock “Steve “Elvis” Hunt” will put on their 8th Annual Concert to benefit Clinton County Toys for Tots.

The Concert will be Saturday, Dec 12, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. at the VFW Post 4113, 2497 N US 27, St. Johns.

Admission is $10 or a new unwrapped toy of equal value. Special thanks go to Mckenzie Crosby Insurance Agency.

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Upcoming Kids Programs – St. Johns Recreation Department

The City of St. Johns Recreation Department is accepting registrations for the 2016 K-2nd Biddy Basketball Program.

The deadline to register is January 15, 2016. The registration fee for the program is $31.00 for St. Johns School district residents and $36.00 for non-school district residents. After the January 15th deadline there is a ten-dollar late fee. Registrations received after the deadline are not guaranteed to be placed on a team.

This six-week program, for children in kindergarten thru 2nd grade, will teach children the game of basketball. The program is meant to be a positive introduction to the game of basketball for first year players and a skill sharpening opportunity for returning players. All participants can expect to learn, from parents and volunteers, the basics of basketball in a non-competitive and safe atmosphere. An emphasis will be placed on all players playing the same amount, good sportsmanship, fundamentals and having fun.

The season runs on Saturdays from February 13th thru March 19th. Kindergarten and 1st graders will spend the first two-weeks learning the basics of basketball. The next four-weeks the beginning of each session will be used as an instructional period where the coach will spend time teaching the fundamentals of passing, dribbling and shooting. The second part of the session will be used to scrimmage against another team, where the players will be able to showcase what they have learned and work as part of a team. 2nd graders will spend the entire six-weeks practicing and scrimmaging.

Each participant who pre-registers will receive a t-shirt, certificate, individual award and a “Big Boy MVP Award” from Big Boy Restaurant of St. Johns.

The Recreation Department needs volunteer parents/coaches for K-2nd grade levels. No experience needed, we provide a coaches manual to help you out. There is also a Coaches Clinic on Saturday, February 6th, 2016 led by Basketball University Sports and Events LLC. You must enjoy working with children and want to make a difference in the lives of our young people.

Returning again this year will be the Basketball Skills Camp for grades 3rd – 6th. The camp runs on Saturdays from February 13th thru March 19th. Basketball University Sports and Events LLC will provide instruction on skill development to help your child with ball handling, shooting, and understanding team play. Your child will get helpful information that will prepare them to better understand the game of basketball.

Can’t make it every week? Then just drop-in and pay for the weeks you can make it. Registration for the program is $42.00 when pre-registering for 6 weeks or $10 per week drop-in for St. Johns School district residents and $48.00 when pre-registering and $12 per week for drop-in for non-school district residents. Drops-ins are allowed only if space permits, to ensure your spot pre-register by January 23, 2016.

If you would like to know more about Basketball University please visit www.bballuniversity.com. Everyone that pre-registers will receive a certificate and a “Big Boy MVP Award” from Big Boy Restaurant of St. Johns.

Registrations for all activities are available at the City Offices and website at www.ci.saint-johns.mi.us. Call the City of St. Johns Recreation Department at 224-8944 ext. 228 or email rfaivor@ci.saint-johns.mi.us for additional information. Like us on Facebook.

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Baker Online achieves Top Rankings for Doctoral Degree, affordability

Baker College Online/Center for Graduate Studies recently placed among the best in two national rankings for online colleges:
· No. 3 in the 2016 rankings of the most affordable online colleges for bachelor’s degrees by College Choice.
· No. 10 in the 2016 list of the top 50 online doctoral degrees in business and management by Top Management Degrees.
“Baker College Online continues to garner national recognition for the great value of its programs,” said Jill Langen, Ph.D., Baker College Online/Center for Graduate Studies president. “These two recent rankings again prove our dedication to providing affordable and quality online programs.”
Most affordable online bachelor’s degrees ranking
Baker College offers online bachelor’s degrees in the areas of business administration, nursing, human services and computer information systems.
In assessing online bachelor’s degrees for affordability, College Choice included all regionally accredited colleges with at least five online bachelor’s degree programs. To determine the true cost of each online program, the rankings also considered actual total cost including fees not directly accounted for in tuition. College Choice compiled its data from websites of the listed universities, reputable publications such as U.S. News & World Report, and from the National Center for Education Statistics.
College Choice is an independent online publication dedicated to helping students find and thrive at the right colleges for them.
Top online doctoral degree ranking
Baker College offers an online doctorate of business administration.
“Our doctoral degree serves the needs of working adults, helping them advance in their careers through quality graduate education,” Langen said. “It is designed to graduate scholar practitioners who will set the standard for best practice and contribute to the solution of critical business and management problems through research, teaching and consulting.”
Top Management Degrees determined its top 50 list of online doctoral degrees in business and management based on the following criteria: accreditation, flexibility, prestige, estimated cost and business management curriculum. Each criterion was given equal weight, and data were collected from diverse sources, including each college program’s website, U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and the National Center for Education Statistics.
Tammie Cagle, Top Management Degrees editor, said, “Business professionals are turning to doctoral programs to gain further expertise to become more effective leaders and gain global credentials for being knowledgeable and skilled business leaders.
“Our rankings are designed to help prospective students make smart choices about where to invest their time and money. We are committed to connecting people to inspiring ideas and high quality educational opportunities, and are confident that students will find both at Baker College Online.”
Top Management Degrees provides information about business and management education that includes degree program rankings and reviews, how to select a program based on an individual’s interest and needs, how to finance a degree and careers in management.
For more information about Baker College Online, contact Chuck Gurden in the admissions office at 810.766.4390 or adm-ol@baker.edu, or visit www.baker.edu.
The largest private college in Michigan, Baker College is a not-for-profit higher education institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It serves more than 23,000 students on multiple campuses and online. Baker grants certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 150 programs across diverse academic fields, including business, health sciences, engineering, information technology, education and human services. An impressive 97 percent of available graduates are employed. Every Baker graduate receives Lifetime Employment Assistance-free and forever. Baker is a pioneer in distance education and offers students the option of completing a degree 100 percent online, without ever visiting a campus. For information, visit www.baker.edu or follow Baker College on Twitter, @bakercollege, or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/bakercollege.

Arts Council continues traditional Holiday Open House

The Gallery is a Clinton County Arts Council gem in the heart of St. Johns business district, but at Christmas it glistens temptingly with an array of gifting hints ranging from seasonal and general wall art to enchanting works from the hands of local artists.

Come Tuesday December 8, all of these attractions will be on display during the Council’s annual open house from 6-8 p.m.at special discounts to members and non-member alike without diminishing the artist’s normal commission amount. Along with price concessions – 10% and 20%, non-members and members, respectively – there will be complimentary gift wrapping and refreshments served throughout the evening.

It will also be a perfect time to meet CCAC President Jason Butler along with Director Ashley Garijo Jackson, both of whom are in the first year of their assignments.

Meanwhile the Gallery is taking on the spirit of the season in preparation for the event with timely decorations and displays. Plan now to visit the Gallery at 215 N. Clinton Ave. during the open house and experience the excitement of the season.

CCAC receives periodic grants from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For additional information on this event or other Arts Council activities, calls may be made to the Gallery at 989.224.2429

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Wilson Center hosts weekend of holiday music – Dec. 4-5

A pair of musical shows courtesy of Homegrown Productions provide a great opportunity for area residents to get in the holiday spirit, Dec. 4-5, at the Wilson Center Auditorium that’s located across from the Clinton County Courthouse near the downtown business district.

Youth are the focus of the fifth annual Christmas variety show created by Homegrown Productions that begins at 7:30 p.m., Friday evening following the Santa Parade in the downtown area. St. Johns’ favorite performers are featured in the evening of holiday stories and songs.

There is a special opportunity for the little ones to be part of the show by playing and singing along with “Tunes and Tales by Trish,” led by Patty Kjolhede. Christmas standards, songs that revere the meaning of the season, and the popular audience sing-along round out the Friday production.

Tickets are $5, available at the door; no charge for youth age 10 and younger.

A special encore performance of the holiday musical, “Nuncrackers,” brings the talented cast to the Wilson Center stage December 5, after its successful run at the Starlight Dinner Theatre in Lansiong. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

“Nuncrackers” is one of seven musicals written by Michigan playwright Dan Goggin and featuring the somewhat zany, and occasionally irreverent, Little Sisters of Hoboken. St. Johns residents Beth Webb, who played Mother Superior, and Susan DeRosa, co-producer of the Starlight Theatre production, are founders of Homegrown Productions and members of the Wilson Center Auditorium Renovation Committee.

“We saw this as a great opportunity to cooperate with Linda Granger, Artistic Director of Starlight Dinner Theatre,” DeRosa says. “The other adult actors and technical crew were willing to help us with this fundraising effort. We’re bringing in a few local children to fill in for actors who could not make this performance.”

Diana Lett, who lives in Laingsburg, Laura Croff, LeAnn Dethlefsen and Rick Dethlefsen will reprise their stellar roles, along with Beth Webb.

Tickets for “Nuncrackers” are $25; call (989) 224-8982 for reservations. Funds from both shows benefit the Wilson Center Auditorium Renovation Project that committee members hope to conclude in 2016. For detailed information on the Wilson Center fundraiser and upcoming shows at the venue check out the Wilson Center Auditorium Facebook page or visit: http://wilsoncenterauditorium.org/

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Shop with a Cop

On Thursday, December 10, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting the Shop with a Cop Program. This wonderful event has been made possible over the years due to Wal-Mart’a sponsorship and participation.

There will be 40 students from area schools Christmas shopping accompanied by Officers from the Clinton County Sheriffs Office, Mounted Division and Officers from several other local police agencies.

The Officers will be meeting at the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, located at 1347 East Townsend Road, 81. Johns, Michigan, at 5:30 p.m. They will then proceed by police vehicles to the Wal-Mart Store here in St. Johns at 6:15 pm. Shopping usually takes about one hour.

You are welcome to come and meet us at Wal-Mart at 6:15 p.m. We will be parading with lights and sirens as they enter the service drive, and they will enter the store through the south door.

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Santa Claus is Coming to Town – December 4, 5

Santa will arrive in St. Johns Friday, December 4 at 5:45 p.m. for the downtown St. Johns Santa Parade of Lights.

After the parade Santa will receive the key to the city and then the downtown and Chamber of Commerce will award one lucky winner a cash prize from their 50/50 raffle drawing. Call the Chamber (989-224-7248) or Downtown (989-227-1717) to find out where to purchase your ticket.

Then on Saturday, December 5 Santa will be at the Chamber’s Breakfast with Santa at the CCRESA Building, 1013 S US 27 in St. Johns from 8:00-10:30 a.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. Children 2 and under are free. Bring your cameras for lots of pictures.

In addition to the Breakfast there will also be a Craft Show and Festival of Trees (8:00-10:00 a.m.) and Kids Make It and Take it Crafts (Noon-3:00 p.m.)

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Happy 70th Anniversary – Forrest and Doris Swatman

If you see Forrest and Doris on December 2, 2015, be sure to congratulate them.

Such a great team!

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Christmas at the Museum

Christmas decorations are in place at the Paine-Gillam-Scott House Museum.

Plan to visit the museum to see the antique decorations reflecting years past. Toys, dolls, a cedar tree in the parlor, Christmas tree decorations, natural greens and even a sled with Santa grace this beautiful house.

The County School Exhibit for 2015 continues through the holiday season along with the permanent Native American Exhibit and the Military Room Exhibit.

The museum is open through Sunday, December 20th on Wednesdays from 2-7pm and Sundays from 1-4pm. For further information, please call (989)292-9096 or (989)224-2894. You may also contact the museum via email at
PGSMuseum@hotmail.com.

Beginning December 21, PGS House Museum will be closed until May, 2016.

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Annual Toys for Tots Concert – December 12

The King of Country “Louie Longoria” and The King of Rock n’ Rock “Steve “Elvis” Hunt” will put on their 8th Annual Concert to benefit Clinton County Toys for Tots.

The Concert will be Saturday, Dec 12, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. at the VFW Post 4113, 2497 N US 27, St. Johns.

Admission is $10 or a new unwrapped toy of equal value. Special thanks go to Mckenzie Crosby Insurance Agency.

City receives Award for Excellence

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to City of St. Johns by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

Doug Deeter, Rehmann Robson; Patrick Clifford, City Treasurer; Dana Beaman, Mayor

An Award of Financial Reporting Achievement has been awarded to the individual(s), department or agency designated by the government as primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning CAFR.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial stoiy and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500

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Help to Move Through Your Grief

by Maralyn Fink

There are 5 stages of grief. Are you stuck in one of them?

After much thought and the passing of my husband with much encouragement from others, I have decided to start a Grief Support Group. Knowing first hand the different feelings that occur and how to deal with them is my main purpose. For me, I actually had to seek counseling last June even though my husband passed away 2 years ago.

Below is the information.

Join us beginning Thursday, December 3rd at 2 pm.

Location: Keck-Coleman Funeral Home
1500 Waterford Pkwy
St. Johns, Michigan
Lower Level – Handicap Accessible

For more information, contact Maralyn at maralyn@sjindy.com 989-2247963 or Dick Ammons, Retired Minister/Counselor, at 989-224-7237.

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Adoption Day, 2015

Devin Elsea and his wife, Angie Wineland-Elsea, shown here with Judge Lisa Sullivan, have been blessed with a baby boy. The adoption was final on Tuesday, and everyone welcomed Corbin William to the family.

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Clinton County Meals on Wheels needs your help

Each year the Clinton County Meals on Wheels program gives a holiday gift to their clients. They would like to do the same this year. They operate on the theory that it’s not the size of the gift but the thought. Most of the items can be bought at the dollar store.

If you would like to help, here are some of the items they are looking for: Kleenex, Hand Cream, Shampoo, 100 Piece Puzzles, Large Print Find a Word or Crossword Puzzle Books, Small Flashlights, Sugar Free Candy, Gloves, Mittens and Socks.

You can drop items off at the Meals on Wheels Office, located in the Clinton County Senior Center at 201 E Walker Street, St. Johns, or you can call 989-224-3600 if they need to pick anything up.

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Mark your calendar – December 11

December 11th (7:00 pm)- Community Christmas Concert: Come and enjoy the annual Community Christmas Concert.

Participants include the St. Johns Community Band, the Dewitt Community Concert Band, the Mint City Singers and Vivo Contando, and the community children’s choir.

There will be a free will offering.

The Wilson Center Auditorium is located at 101 W. Cass St., St. Johns.

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Toys for Tots Campaign underway

The Marine Corp Toys for Tots campaign has begun in Clinton County. The Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, which is the sponsoring organization for Toys for Tots in Clinton County has delivered over 36 collection boxes to businesses throughout the county that will collect toys through Tuesday, Dec 15 for Clinton County children.

For anyone donating a toy, please consider this. The campaign always gets lots of games, generic baby dolls, Barbie dolls, generic cars and trucks, footballs and basketballs. Some of the most popular items requested this year are anything Frozen, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Spiderman and MSU. We are also always in need of things like craft kits for older girls, current CD’s, DVD’s and books from recent movie releases, sports apparel (hats and shirts), fishing or hunting items, Easy Bake Ovens, etc.

If you place a toy in one of these boxes you can be assured the toy will go to a child that lives in Clinton County:

In Bath: Bath American Legion and Bath Township Office
In DeWitt: Bridge Street Hair, DeWitt City Police, DeWitt Township Police and Fire (both locations), Hometown Pharmacy, Lake State CrossFit and Mercantile Bank.
In Fowler: Dollar General, Journey Federal Credit Union and Main Street Pizza;
In Ovid: Dollar General, Journey Federal Credit Union and Main Street Pizza;
In St. Johns: Barber’s Floors and More, Big Boy, Briggs Public Library, Bruno’s Bar, Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, Clinton County Sheriff’s Department, Dollar General, Emerald Golf Course, FirstMerit Bank, Grace Haven Assisted Living, Journey Federal Credit Union, Mercantile Bank, Pauli Ford, Peebles, Quest Software, Sparrow Clinton Hospital, St. Johns Police Department, Tractor Supply, Walgreens and Walmart.
In Wacousta: Watertown Charter Township.

If your family needs assistance with clothing, food and toys for the holidays, please register with Capital Area Community Services at 989-224-6702. If you need assistance with just toys and you are not registered with another agency, call Clinton County Toys for Tots at 989-224-7248 or email ccchamber@4wbi.net.

If you have any questions about the Toys for Tots campaign, toys needs or toy distribution, contact Brenda Terpening at the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce at 989-224-7248.

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Briggs Library News

Mitten Tree:The library’s annual mitten drive will run until Saturday, Dec. 12. Mittens & gloves must be new (home-made or store bought.) The collection is for all ages, adult or child. Items collected will be donated to charitable organizations. The greatest need is for mittens and gloves.

Last in the Library Book Club: There is still time to read the next selection for the Last in the Library Book Club before we meet on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 3:00 p.m. For this session we are reading the Young Readers’ Edition of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s novel, “Pay It Forward.” The story follows twelve-year-old Trevor McKinney on his attempt to change the world. His idea is simple: Do a good deed for three people, and instead of asking them to return the favor, ask them to “pay it forward” to three other people who need help. This parent/child book club is recommended for children in grades 4-8, though any who can read the material and would like to discuss it are welcome. Copies of the book and registration are now available.

Tween: The ‘Tween holiday program will be held Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 7:00 – 8:00p.m. ‘Tweens ages 10-12 are invited to join the fun as we celebrate the season with a story, game, craft and snack! Registration is currently taking place.

Family Game Night: On Thursday evening, Dec. 10, the Library will be hosting its annual Family Game Night! During this evening of fun for the entire family, we will have a selection of new and classic board games, party games, card games, and more available. This special event will take place from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Registration is required. There will be light snacks and refreshments available. All ages are welcome, though most games are designed for ages 3 and up.

Holiday Cartoon Program: “Kids, Cartoons, and Crafts” is the Library’s new holiday movie program that will feature a short cartoon, a craft, a game, and a snack. Independent children ages 4-8 are invited to celebrate the Christmas season on Thursday, Dec. 17 from 6:30-7:30p.m. as we watch Mickey’s Christmas Carol. Registration for this free program is required.

Holiday Programs: It’s that time of year! Mark your calendars! Holiday Programs will be Thursday, December 3, 6-8p.m., Friday, December 4, 6-8p.m. and Saturday, December 5, 10:30 to Noon. There will be musical entertainment, North Pole games, holiday crafts and yummy refreshments. Santa will share tales from up north and visit with each child. No registration is required for these FREE programs. You won’t want to miss the fun!

Pre-Reader: “Reading Through the Alphabet” is the story-time theme for children ages 4-6 years old (independent listeners). This 6 week session is on Thursday evenings, 6:30-7pm, Jan. 14 – Feb. 18. Story-times include stories, games, music, movement and crafts. Registration is required and begins on Thursday, Dec. 17.

Staff Picks: If you are looking for a good book to read here is a list of titles that Library staff enjoyed or found informative in the last month.
– Fiction: “Chance Harbor” by H. Robinson, “Fear the Dark” by K. Hooper, “The Last Midwife” by S. Dallas.
– Non-fiction: “The Brain: the Story of You” by D. Eagleman (a companion to the PBS series), “The ADHD Advantage” by Dale Archer, MD, “Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places” by National Geographic.
– Miss Marie’s Juvenile Picks: “Cars, Trains, Ships & Planes: a Visual Encyclopedia of Every Vehicle” by C. Gifford, “Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party” by S. Hale, “The Girl Who Buried Her Dreams in a Can: a True Story” by Dr. T. Tererai, “I Really Like Slop” by M. Willems, “Space! The Universe as You’ve Never Seen It Before” by Smithsonian, “The Goodbye Book” by T. Parr.

Library Closures: The Library will be closed on Friday Dec. 18 from 11:15a.m. – 1:15p.m. for the City of St. Johns Awards Luncheon. The Library will be closed on December 24, 25, and 26 for the Christmas Holiday and on December 31and January 1for the New Year’s Holiday. The drop box on the Library porch will be available for returns throughout these closures.

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Contact Information:

Library Director: Sara Morrison
Phone: 989-224-4702 * Fax: 989-224-1205
E-mail: smorrison@briggspubliclibrary.org
Street address: 108 E Railroad * Saint Johns, MI 48879

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Become a donor – Wilson Center Auditorium

Fundraising is now in full swing with the Wilson Center Auditorium Renovation Committee seeking people, businesses and organizations who are willing to help restore this mid-Michigan historical gem here in St. Johns.

For a donation of $250, you can sponsor a seat having your name or that of someone else permanently engraved on a seat plaque. For donations of $500 or more, you can have your name engraved on a special plaque being located in the auditorium lobby instead of sponsoring seats.

Please give as much as you can and help spread the word to help in this community effort. We hope that you will become involved in this exciting project.

Please download this form.

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MSU Extension Listens to the Communities Priorities

Friends of MSU Extension gathered together at Montcalm Community College on November 4th to point out what they believe MSU Extension and AgBioResearch should focus their research and educational programming on. This focus group, along with another held on October 29th in Charlotte, was part of a statewide initiative by MSU Extension and AgBioResearch to hear the voices of those in the local communities.

The above focus groups had a diverse group of over 28 participants from Barry, Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Ionia, Montcalm and Gratiot County as well as MSU Extension staff who were available for information. Both sessions was led by the District 8 MSU Extension Council that has representation from each county. Each focus group was charged with generating ideas and voting for the top areas where MSU Extension and AgBioResearch should focus their research and educational efforts over the next 3 to 5 years.

Following these two sessions, the MSU Extension District 8 Extension Council will take the highest scored ideas from the Charlotte and MCC focus sessions and combine them to make a District 8 final report to the MSU Extension administration on campus.

MSU Extension will combine the district reports from around the state and take the summary of the on-line survey to identify research and educational priorities for MSU Extension and MSU AgBioResearch for the next 3 to 5 years. Take the on-line survey by January 31, 2016 at MSU Extension and AgBioResearch Survey to Sharpen Our Focus.

Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) periodically conducts an issues identification process to compile the relevant, current and emerging community issues that need to be addressed for our state residents. This process will assist in determining where to concentrate time, resources and energy to improve the quality of life for state residents. MSUE’s goal is to move the state forward by focusing on research and educational programs that matter most to Michigan residents.

Michigan State University Extension helps people improve their lives by bringing the vast knowledge resources of MSU directly to individuals, communities and businesses.

For more information about what we offer in the classroom and by request, explore the MSU Extension Catalog of Programs and Services, which features programming in Agriculture, Business and Community, Family, Food and Health, Lawn and Garden, Natural Resources and 4-H and Youth.

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Mysteries at the (Michigan Historical) Museum on Friday

The Travel Channel show “Mysteries at the Museum” plans to air a segment Friday, November 27, featuring the Michigan Historical Museum. The segment will discuss Michigan Gov. Hazen S. Pingree’s “Potato Patch Plan.” The museum’s collections include a potato-shaped glass bottle created at the time, known as the “potato Pingree” flask.

“Mysteries at the Museum” airs at 9 p.m. EST Fridays.

Pingree served as mayor of Detroit from 1889-1897 and as governor of Michigan from 1897-1901. As mayor, he initiated public works programs similar to those – like the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps – that would be formed during the Great Depression more than 30 years later. One such program, known as the Potato Patch Plan, allowed needy people to grow crops on vacant land and gained Pingree the nickname “Potato Patch Pingree.” While campaigning for one of his many re-election campaigns, Pingree had the potato flask made as a play on his nickname.

The Michigan Historical Center is part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Its museum and archival programs help people discover, enjoy and find inspiration in their heritage. It includes the Michigan Historical Museum, 10 regional museums, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, and the Archives of Michigan. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/mhc.

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Leonard invites residents to December office hours

State Rep. Tom Leonard today invited people to join him for office hours scheduled during December.

Rep. Leonard, R-DeWitt, said office hours will take place:

· In St. Johns on Friday, December 11, at the Big Boy, 1408 S. U.S. 27, from 9 to 11 a.m.; and

· In Ithaca on Friday, December 18, at the Hearthstone Oven Bakery and Café, 126 S. Pine River St., from 9 to 11 a.m.

In January, Rep. Leonard will change his office hours format. He will begin hosting the informal gatherings on the second Friday of each month from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Big Boy in St. Johns and from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Ithaca at the Hearthstone Oven Bakery and Café.

No appointment is necessary. Those unable to attend may contact Rep. Leonard by calling 517-373-1778 or toll free at 877-859-8086, via email at TomLeonard@house.mi.gov or through his website at www.RepLeonard.com.